Moving from Lincoln, NE to Pittsburgh, PA
Relocating 968 mi from Lincoln to Pittsburgh is a 17h 50m drive through 6 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
968 mi Β· 17h 50m by car Β· PA β OH β IN β IL β IA β NE
Distance & route
| Route through | PA β OH β IN β IL β IA β NE |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 280 |
| Major cities en route | Akron, Cleveland, Toledo, South Bend, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lincoln | Pittsburgh | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.581 | 94.671 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 76.817 | 107.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.101 | 100.684 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.208 | 71.986 | 100.0 |
Lincoln and Pittsburgh sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Pittsburgh run about 3.4% cheaper β ZHVI $291,062 β $237,533 (2026-03).
YoY change: Lincoln +4.2%, Pittsburgh -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lincoln | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 29.3" | 41.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 52.3Β°F vs 52.4Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US, PITTSBURGH ALLEGHENY CO AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lincoln | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 291,932 | 303,620 |
| Median household income | $69,991 | $64,137 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 33.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.4% | 24.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.21 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 3.4% lower in Pittsburgh than Lincoln.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Pittsburgh MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 137,860 | $43,230 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 96,800 | $28,940 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 90,050 | $39,900 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 89,070 | $35,000 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 79,490 | $75,790 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Nebraska and Pennsylvania
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Pennsylvania's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Pittsburgh compare to Lincoln?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,360 in the Pittsburgh MSA vs $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA, on total employment of 1,071,900 and 179,040 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Pittsburgh more expensive than Lincoln?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pittsburgh is 3.4% higher than Lincoln (94.671 vs 91.581, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Pittsburgh, PA from Lincoln, NE?
The driving distance is 968 mi and the route typically takes 17h 50m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Pittsburgh compared to Lincoln?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $237,533 in Pittsburgh vs $291,062 in Lincoln β a 18.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Lincoln to Pittsburgh?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 968 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Lincoln vs Pittsburgh?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,137 in Pittsburgh vs $69,991 in Lincoln β a 8.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lincoln.
City profiles: Lincoln, NE Β· Pittsburgh, PA.